On November 22nd, I made a post for help in replacing my windshield and more specifically got help and direction to fix the tabs on my windshield posts. To all the responded I thank you very much! The windshield posts went to CC for new tabs and were returned in about 3 weeks. I have reinstalled everything without any problems thanks to everyones input but now I have another problem.....The convertable top is brand new and I'm not sure if it was installed properly and possible the cause of my initial problem...I recently purchased the car and when I got it the windshield was dislodged from the frame at the bottom when the top was fastened to the windshield. The windshield post tabs were broken.....Now that the tabs are fixed and the windshield has been replaced, I tried to fasten the top but it is extremely tight and I'm afraid that if I fully fasten the top to the windshield, I could it break the new tabs and pull the windshield out from the base again?.....Can anyone advise me as to how tight their tops are and how much deflection they get with the windshield when they fasten it as I get noticable movement and deflection in the windshield frame? I may be a little paranoid, but I don't want to go through the same ordeal and expense again if another problem is the cause. Your opinions and comments are appreciated......Thanks...Norm
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Re: c1 windshield and convertable top
The top should be tight, but not overly so. It sounds like your convertible top frame may need adjustment. This can be an involved process, especially with the fabric installed. First be sure that the horizontal pieces are straightening out fully and not forming a slight "V" when the top is fully extended. This can be adjusted by repositioning the inner brackets behind the seats. Also, try loosening the outer brackets and be sure the top is positioned to fit around the windows. Last, the frame can be lengthened by loosening the two screws at the top front and sliding the front bow forward. This is a real oversimplification, but it will give you some ideas. -
Addendum
If you have a hardtop, or can borrow one (assuming the car has the necessary fittings) test fit the hard top first to confirm the positioning of the windows and possibly the windshield itself. There are no adjustments to the windshield and it SHOULD be in proper place if everything is assembled properly. This is mostly a check of the window and door position prior to adusting the soft top.Comment
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Re: Addendum
Some top installers not familiar with C1's install the top "tight as a bowstring", as they like the way they look when done that way; they didn't come that way from St. Louis, as excessive "tightness" can separate the upper windshield frame from the glass.Comment
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Re: Addendum
John: That's exactly the way it is....I took your advise and adjusted the front clips, I was able to get about 1/4" adjustment but it still isn't right. I did manage with great difficulty to fasten all the clips...When I did, I did notice some minor movement in the windshield gasket at the winshield base, not much but some just the same. I think over time, the windshield could pull out again from the base. Also, the top doesn't seat properly against the top windshield stainless either, there are noticable air gaps. I don't know if this is typical or the top isn't set properly. If I could shift the top forward 1/4" to 1/2" I think it would work just fine. Do you know of any adjustments that I could make where the top is fastened to the body? Shimming it perhaps? Any advise is appreciated. Norm (White Plains, NY)Comment
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Re: Addendum
Norm do you have the lower windshield rubber filler gasket installed? that will move the top frame back.Comment
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Re: Addendum
Roy: Thanks for the reply, I put a new one in when I set the windshield.....Thanks...NormComment
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Re: Addendum
Have you checked the adjustment of the frame? Does the frame fit around the windows? Is the upper frame rail straight?Comment
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Re: Addendum
The frame rail above the windows sit straight in line with the top of the windows. Alignment if the windows within the frame isn't perfect but acceptable. NormComment
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Re: Addendum
If there is much of a gap at the rear of the windows, the entire frame may need to be move forward. Even a 1/4" can make a big diofference at the header. If the upper rear corner fits pretty well, then the top is probably positioned pretty well.Comment
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Re: Addendum
Ed: There is space behind the window and the whole top could shift forward. My only question is how? I looked at it this afternoon and could see how it could be adjusted. If you know of a way, please let me know. Regards...NormComment
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Re: Addendum
Norm it's not easy to talk you through how to ajust a soft top. But simpley put. loosen the soft top frame from the vett body support, also the Articular arm, that's the long arm that ajust the frame at the top of the window ( to close the V people talk about).Lock the frame to the windshield, then ajust the soft top frame to the rear of the door windows, (up or down). Then ajust the Articular arm to close the V or flaten the top window rail.You may also have to re=ajust the rear hold downs.With the top already done before this may work!Comment
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Re: Addendum
Norm, if you haven't already figured this out, the holes in the brackets are slotted. They should be attached with carrage bolts so you can loosen the nuts without having to take the seats out. The outer brackets position the frame itself, and the inner ones position the articulating arm.Comment
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Re: Addendum
Roy and Ed thanks! I appreciate your help.....I probibly won't get to this until after the holidays as I will be heading out of here for the holidays and returning on the first. I'll let you know how I make out when I return. Happy Holidays and thanks again! NormComment
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